As the world shifted back into focus, Samus was still suspicious of her dark counterpart, while the Slayer walked forward, ignoring the pair. "You can now find the remaining Hell Priests by activating your Celestial Locator," VEGA said as the center of the command area opened up, with a pedestal rising out, into which the Slayer placed the component they had just collected. "The second Hell Priest is located in the northern region of Earth. I will calibrate the portal now," VEGA continued once the part lowered into position, a red dot pulsing on the hologram of Earth. Please tell me we're not leaving until we handle THIS situation, Samus thought, eyes glued to Dark.
"The Hub has several areas locked off due to power constraints. Once power has been restored you will be able to access the entire ship," VEGA adds, and the Slayer heads aft, a glass door opening to a room Samus hadn't yet seen. Inside were some large gears turning, and a central pedestal with a slot. One into which the Slayer inserted the battery they had found earlier, giving it a twist once in.
"Sentinel energy levels rising. Reestablishing power to core and supplementary systems," VEGA said, the room lighting up, and all the doors opening. All right. Let's check this place out. The Slayer backtracked, where another upgrade for the Equipment Launcher waited, which the Slayer installed.
"The Ice Bomb modification to your Equipment Launcher has been completed. Once fired the bomb will douse nearby enemies in freezing gases. You'll have to manually toggle the launcher to fire either Ice Bombs or Frag Grenades." Oh well isn't that handy, Samus thought as ADAM already began his scan and copy. Let me guess...Ice Beam? Soon enough, her arm cannon hummed with an answer, revealing the new upgrade was ready for her. Yeah, Ice Beam. Let's hope demons used to the typical fire and brimstone can't take the cold. Though a small shudder ran through her, as it reminded her of her own Metroid DNA.
Dark meanwhile, floated over to the command platform, and tapped on the screen on the port side, the one saying there was a new update from the ARC resistance network. "This is an ARC broadcast. To any ARC personnel or survivors operating inside the Hellified zones – please be advised. More Doom Slayer sightings have been coming in, alongside another mysterious individual in more colorful armor with a gun for a right arm. ARC Leadership do not recommend any attempts to communicate with the pair directly – please avoid all contact with Doomguy and the other individual people are calling the Hunter at this time. While it is clear that the pair are enemies of the challenged, it is unclear if they could also be a threat to civilians." First off, phew, Dark didn't touch anything critical. Even I hesitate to do so. Second, they're mentioning me? Calling me the Hunter? Not bad. Why do I always give off that vibe? Third, what are these people on? "Threat to civilians" my ass. Not only are we doing this FOR them, I haven't seen a single civvie my entire time.
Dark meanwhile was attempting to repeat the message, though doing a bad job of it, and still in that same monotone voice. The Slayer meanwhile went aft, taking some stairs down, but VEGA started talking before they could follow him.
"There is a danger inherent if you continue," VEGA told her, Dark stopping as well. "Hell's influence is great, and the chance of corruption is high. Corruption that affects all parts, including the soul. Before you continue your adventure, this must be addressed. Your AI ADAM and I are working on a solution, and for now while you are here, you are safe. But even if you step out again, demonic influence could taint and corrupt you, even if you are not in Hell." Well fuck. Need protection or else I'll saying "Hail Satan" huh? Shit.
"As for you, Dark Hunter. You are a complete mystery, and likely even MORE vulnerable. Not to mention I detect instability from you, which needs to be addressed." Oh, so SHE can become a bigger threat than she already has been? Two adventures against this bitch aren't enough, a THIRD is likely? But she did follow as Dark Samus floated over to the glowing pedestal in the command center, energy flowing around her as she was scanned. "Done. ADAM and I will work on you, but you'll have to remain here as well. Hunter, ideally your journey should be able to continue soon. But Dark will have to sit this out." Good, wouldn't trust her anyway. A surprise came when VEGA talked to her, but through her helmet, and not the FOD's speakers. "It also seems as if certain skills are lacking, such as speech. We will find a way to correct that, so that later on, it's able to be more vocal. I do not wish to upset it by implying a lack of intelligence." So you're talking to me behind her back. I didn't think an AI would do that. "However, the FOD in general can be explored at your leisure, while we work on the problem. The Slayer is headed down to the Ripatorium if you wish to join him." Ripatorium? OK, I might have to. But in time.
Her exploration proved that the Slayer's Fortress was really quite a marvel, both in technology, and architecture, with old and new feeling at home next to each other. On the new side, sure there was conduits for energy or coolant, she couldn't tell which, by what flowed through them, alongside the consoles and hologram in the command center. In the not so new category were the large gears that turned audibly, without visible purpose. And all this was combined with areas that had wood floors, and some brick walls. Even the supports for the bannisters in the command room had intricate details of knights carved into all four sides. Other sections had carved murals featuring similar knights. Not to mention that there were large statues of the same knights, hanging banners and tapestries, and even stained glass in some of the aft sections. On top of that there were smaller statues of...something. Four arms, wings, a helmet and a staff, and one of the arms was even clutching a book. And some of the light in the place came from torches, burning with a strange blue fire that lacked an apparent fuel source. And some areas were just plain rock, uncut, with lichens growing on them. Holy shit. Who comes up with this kind of thing? And yet, it suits you perfectly.
But that was just a start. Taking the stairs down a deck, one noticeable thing was something floating over another pedestal, that looked like a gun, but like it was in construction, but with the forward section still a hologram. Heading aft, there were many things behind glass doors, with slots for Sentinel Batteries needed to open them, as well as another strange weapon, guarded by a series of floating rings. Samus recognized the weapon mod drones in some rooms, Sentinel Crystals in others and...were those ghosts? Holding up giant stone disks? OK, ghosts. Well I remember the Chozo Ghosts on Tallon IV, and I'm guessing these are friendly.
As for other such details were large barrels everywhere, especially on the lowermost of the aft deck, where there was a whole rack of ten of them. There were also crates, open barrels with swords and axes, as well as a work area that included some benches, an anvil, chains including one holding up what could be an empty energy cell of some type, and...an altar of sorts, with a large stone face, and lots of lit candles, many having their wax dripping down from overuse. But the strange part was that as she got close to the stone face, she could hear whispering. OK, THAT's creepy. Why is this here? There were also thick cables along the floor, possibly firehose thick, that while they had one end coming out of a port in the wall, their other ends couldn't easily be determined. Dude, do some cable management around here. Can't these things run UNDER the floor? I mean, HOUSE wires aren't that thick. You're not laying one of those cable protectors on top of these things. I've seen actual speed bumps that are slimmer.
Heading forward, she could see the underside of the portal generator, flanked by wolf statues, one of which she petted on its leg, as it was too large for her to be able to pet its head. Wow, imagine if all these statues could magically come to life. I would NOT want to be here. Big guy would have quite the army to defend himself. Though from what I've seen, he doesn't need it. There were also doors heading port and starboard, but an investigation forward of the portal device revealed another of the complex doors, that opened into...quite a different room.
Looking around revealed actual furniture, that saw use. A large throne, with horns, clawed feet, wolf heads...and a magazine on it, and many comic books surrounding it, sitting on a pale red rug that wasn't laying flat. Not to mention it was next to a bookshelf full of books, a toy of the Slayer himself, a helmet-wearing skull and a toy blaster gun. Assuming that IS a toy. Who knows with him? Also on the upper level was a floating Codex page Samus grabbed, then immediately read. It went into detail about how it's a collab between the Argenta and the Maykrs, with the basic structure being Argenta, and the systems of Maykr origin, though it was clearly designed for the former. The Codex also mentioned how it was a flag-station for galactic exploration, manipulating space through unknown means instead of traditional propulsion, and was capable of dimensional travel, and was likely a remnant of a much larger fleet. OK, wow. So...is this the last of its kind? If so, fuck, there goes that idea. Though every egghead in the Federation would LOVE to get their hands all over this thing. For that matter...it's possible the CHOZO would enjoy studying this thing.
But that was just the start of this room, that at a wide glance, made Samus think it was a man-cave. Big guy, killer of demons, and he's got a man-cave. Well, we ALL need a way to relax now and then. Next to the bookshelf was another set of shelves, and she recognized the toys that the Slayer had collected upon it, with room for more, a LOT more. On the other side of the room were ammo boxes with comic books on them and models of all the weapons the Slayer had collected so far, along with more barrels, both open and weapon filled, as well as closed.
But the lower level of the man-cave had a lot more, though it was lower by eight steps. On the port side was a grindstone, a column of rock that at first, Samus thought had no obvious purpose. That was until she looked closely at the cracks in the front, all radiating outward from various points in the rock that looked like something struck them, and it hit her. Is this...a stone punching bag? They even looked like the right height, not to mention the rubble surrounding the pillar, and as a test Samus gave a few love taps like she was punching a real bag, with her fist almost matching up with the impact points, and she figured would if she was as tall as him. OK, THAT is badass and metal. A column of rock, and its your PUNCHING BAG? Though it also shows just how strong you are. It actually makes me think of an idea: If you were handed a hot lump of carbon, could you actually squeeze it into a diamond?
But there was more. There was also another anvil with nunchaku on top, and what Samus first thought was just another cable, until she noticed the ends and realized it was a jump rope. On the wall, with its own light was a painting, depicting the Slayer, in older looking armor, cradling a brown rabbit in his left hand, and holding up a double-barreled shotgun in his right. Aw, that's sweet. A lover of cute animals huh? Big guy's got a soft heart.
In the center aft section of the room, right against the short wall that separated the upper and lower halves of the room, were workbenches FULL of stuff. From magazines, to technology, to tools, all scattered around, with much of it she couldn't begin to guess at. And on said wall were some hammers that looked of Argenta make, for the sake of blacksmithing, while some of the more modern tools looked also of Argenta make, including some arms above the work surface, not all with clear purpose. The technology meanwhile looked like it could be of Argenta and Earth. Central in the work area was an old suit of armor, hanging up by a frame and chains that looked strong enough to hold up a car engine, and disassembled, matching what he wore in the painting, with screens nearby indicating things she couldn't begin to guess at, but could read "Arbiter Sensor" and "Calibration" on one, with their meters showing pulsing data she couldn't identify.
On the starboard side of the hanging armor was more tech, the helmet from the painting, and the right gauntlet as well. There were also a pair of orbs, both red and blue, cables, a 3D printer, speakers, and even a pen cup, all strewn about in a disorganized fashion. Not to mention the rug this work area was on needed replacement, BADLY, as it had holes worn in it at various points, as well as stains of mysterious nature. Not to mention trash under the bench as well. Wow dude, clean up. Or are you so busy you can't? Though another thought came to her, one that made her smile inside of her helmet. Though, there IS a possible other reason why. That reason being you're too male to care. At least you have what looks like...She did a glance around to confirm, THREE different roombas? All of which are far larger than even some shop vaccuums? OK buddy, when you save the world, you have GOT to do something about this place.
Forward was a large desk with a computer, one with a large power button that looked like one made for punching, as part of a case that looked Argenta made, or at least Argenta-inspired. It was an impressive setup, with the speakers having SKULLS on their stands. And on the desk was a triple-monitor setup, middle one bearing his mark. There was also quite a complex keyboard system, and a mouse that looked laughably small, compared to the Slayer's enormous hands. There were also models on the desk, including a large green walker, a ship, a smaller orange walker with construction helmet, and a mysterious cube. Further cementing Samus's impression that the Slayer was a bit of a slob, was an old pizza box, open bag of chips, and a box of candy. Takoyaki flavored? I didn't even know that was a thing. And where's a fridge? There's still pizza in this box, that I won't touch because who knows HOW old it is.
But then she noticed something on the ground that upon picking up, made her heart sink. It was a photograph, clearly of a family, but with the dad's face torn off, but the wife and son were still present, clearly being held by the dad in the picture. Turning it over, there was something written, but most of it faded. All Samus could make out was "With love, Linda and Samuel." Combined with the fact that there was a cage nearby, empty, and bags of rabbit food, it made Samus come to a realization. You...you lost your family to demons, didn't you? And your pet rabbit. You fight for them, for what you lost. It made her think back, although she didn't want to, to when she lost her parents on K-2L to Ridley and the Space Pirates. And here, the Doom Slayer had lost his wife, son, and rabbit to demons. Both of them were alone in their worlds, having lost those most important to them. Well damn. I know your pain Slayer, I know it well. It's different, as I was made an orphan at the age of three, but I will NOT try to one-up you.
But in the final stage of her tour of the Slayer's man-cave, was another desk with an old record player, with one of the records they had found sitting nearby. There was also an old computer, pizza boxes, comic books, a magazine, a skateboard, and on the wall were three different guitars, unlike any Samus had ever seen. The left looked to be made of flesh, complete with blood on the wall behind it. Middle looked like an axe with the head made of energy. And the right looked similar to the Slayer's own armor. Hanging above said guitars was a skull of something Samus couldn't identify. Samus took one last glance around, this small glimpse into who the Slayer was, under the armor. Clearly, lots of fun is had in here. As well as reminders of pain. I...need to clear my head. Leave this room alone.
Exploring to port, it led her out an airlock, with no visible depressurization occuring as she went through, noticing more carved murals on the walls. Though there were more of the torches, burning the same blue fire, even though they SHOULD be in the vacuum of space. Though she also noticed ivy growing everywhere, which Samus didn't know if it should be allowed, or if it should be all trimmed away. There was more stained glass, some of it broken, and her eye was drawn to one window that depicted a sword with glowing red blade. Now why would THAT sword be important?
But there was an oddity, and a danger. The walkway to the port tower was broken, requiring a few jumps. But Samus also looked down, noticing that they weren't connected, and that the tower, and the walkway, were just floating there, not even attached to the main...hull? Fuselage? Keep? Any of those could apply. Or even all of them. It made her wonder, how did they not float away? Though it also begged the question of how, even though they were stone, Samus could still feel gravity. The tower itself held a floating suit of armor, though it looked more primitive than even what she had seen earlier, fitting more of an actual knight. There were also lit candles inside the door, that like before, needed Sentinel Batteries, and more statues including the winged ones from before. OK, you know what? For my own sake, I'm calling those winged things gargoyles. I know they're not. But it helps separate them in my mind.
She then made a quick visit to the starboard side. It was much more intact, with the walkway actually navigable. That tower had another suit of armor, resembling what was hanging up, and more gargoyles. Now I do have to wonder, why would this thing be designed this way? These walkways are in OPEN VACUUM. Why not cover it? That'd be the smart option here, so it doesn't require suiting up to go outside. She leaned on the stone railing as she contemplated that, looking down at Earth. Wow, demons really did a number huh? Glowing red runes and pentagrams, all visible from up here? Shit, it really IS Hell on Earth. Between those runes, and the clouds, I can't tell what part of Earth we're orbiting over. Oh, and while I'm on this railing...why aren't these everywhere? Near the tower, there aren't any. It was like this on the port side too. OSHA would have a FIELD DAY with the Argenta engineers.
As she was about to head back in, she noticed that FAR away, roughly at 3:00 to the main...keep, she was settling on that, as it was too much of a castle, and not enough of a ship, to call it a hull (though she figured she'd still keep using ship directional terms), and higher up, was yet ANOTHER section, one with a rock foundation and built structure upon it. OK, how the fuck do you get THERE? Doesn't seem to be a way. I mean, you could probably teleport, or use a portal, which is more or less the same thing. Was there something like this on the port side? She also noted the oddity of how the foundation rocks still had moss on them, as well as ivy both red and green all over the outer keep, all defying physics by living in vacuum. And a quick jog back to port showed that no, there was no extra building on the port side, floating off and out of reach.
It also made Samus realize something else. So far, with the exception of the man-cave, everywhere she had seen was for the business of demon killing, if that, as there were areas that looked untouched. Said man-cave was the only area with a personal touch. But that was it. There wasn't anywhere she had seen that would provide other necessities of life. There was no kitchen, no bathroom, no bedroom. How do you eat, when not ordering in? Sleep? And when was your last shower? You do still need to do all that...right? A part of her was doubtful, as if her gut told her that the man she was with was beyond such needs. He was human under that armor...right?
The forward lower deck exploration didn't reveal much. Just more rooms with ghosts in them. Though it did reveal a large mech, suspended in a repair bay. Holy crap, like you don't have enough firepower. Although this thing is missing its limbs.
Samus was about to head into the elevator that would take her to the Ripatorium entry deck, when she heard a noise from above, and saw the Slayer come out of a portal, presumably from said Ripatorium. He took a look at Samus, then went aft, Samus following him as he went up to another ghost that wasn't there before. He took the stone disk it offered, and the ghost kneeled. VEGA then chimed in, explaining it was a "Praetor Suit Point," and Samus, thanks to her connection, could also feel...something. She couldn't tell what, but something was better about her.
VEGA and ADAM also chirped up in her helmet about a way to protect her from demonic corruption. She didn't understand it all, but it involved some slice of the Slayer's essence inside of her, in a spiritual way. And that in theory, it might work on Dark, though it'd take more work. Samus felt the upgrade download, ADAM doing the "translation" so it would work with her physiology, and mentioned that her Metroid DNA would help the process, as greedy as it was. When it was done, she felt lighter, as if she had been carrying a great weight on her shoulders without even realizing it. Holy shit. I was already being affected? Shit, how much longer would I've lasted until the "Hail Satans?" For that matter...how does HE do it?
VEGA then chimed in, as if reading her thoughts. "Here are a series of audio logs you may wish to review," he tells her, and Samus sees her Logbook with a series of logs, collectively titled as the "Slayer's Testaments," numbered I-VII. Oh well this will be interesting, Samus thinks as the Slayer activates the portal, and she follows him through to their next destination, catching a glimpse of Dark roaming around while saying random things, as if attempting to learn how to speak.